Why go on vacation to Amsterdam?

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a destination with timeless charm, iconic canals and a friendly atmosphere.

Wondering whether it’s a good idea to spend a few days’ vacation in Amsterdam? Here’s why it’s one of Europe’s most popular destinations, with a focus on the must-sees and our opinion of the city.

Top 5 must-sees in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city we know very well, as we’ve had the opportunity to explore it on many occasions. During my Erasmus year in the Netherlands, I spent many weekends there, and since then we’ve visited the city at least a dozen times.

1. Amsterdam’s canals: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, they offer a picturesque view ideal for exploring on foot or on a cruise.
2. Amsterdam’s must-see museums offer an exceptional cultural immersion not to be missed.
3. The Jordaan district: our favorite, a charming labyrinth of cobbled streets, perfect for strolling between art galleries and cosy cafés.
4. The Vondelpark: A haven of greenery where you can relax, stroll and take part in outdoor cultural activities.
5. Local markets: lively places like the Albert Cuyp Market are perfect for sampling stroopwafels, cheeses and other delicacies, while the Bloemenmarkt, the famous floating flower market, enchants visitors with its colors and scents.

➡️ We love this city so much that we’ve decided to devote an entire site to it, which you can visit at the following address: Passion Amsterdam

Reasons to choose Amsterdam for your vacation

A unique cultural wealth

Explore iconic museums

Amsterdam is a true cultural capital, home to some of the world’s most renowned museums. –

• The Van Gogh Museum: a fascinating dive into the world of the famous painter, with masterpieces such as The Sunflowers.

• Rijksmuseum: An exceptional collection of works by Dutch masters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer.Anne Frank House: An emotionally-charged place recounting the poignant story of a tragic era.
• The Anne Frank House: an emotionally-charged place recounting the poignant story of a tragic era.
• The Heineken Experience: a fun immersion in the history and manufacture of the famous Dutch beer, with tastings included.

Plunge into history with UNESCO-listed canals

Amsterdam’s canals, created in the 17th century, are the historic and romantic heart of the city. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, they offer a unique view of the narrow houses with their typical facades.

A boat trip is the ideal way to discover the city’s history and architectural beauty while enjoying a moment of relaxation.

Discover Amsterdam’s unique architecture

Amsterdam is famous for its distinctive architecture, where modernity and tradition coexist harmoniously.

Leaning houses along the canals, charming bridges and contemporary buildings such as the EYE Film Museum or the NEMO science museum bear witness to this architectural diversity.

A perfect destination for nature lovers and relaxation enthusiasts

Stroll through Amsterdam’s green parks

The city is full of parks that invite you to relax.

• Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s green lung, is perfect for a picnic or a stroll.
• The Westerpark, with its cultural spaces and cafés, combines nature and entertainment. These are ideal places to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Parks in the Oost district: Places likeOosterpark or Frankendael Park offer quiet, green spaces, perfect for relaxing or discovering historic sculptures and gardens.

Bicycle tours: total immersion in local culture

Amsterdam is a cyclist’s paradise, with over 400 kilometers of cycle paths. Renting a bike is the ideal way to explore the city at your own pace, discover its hidden alleys and live like a local.

A stroll through the canals and parks offers an authentic, eco-friendly experience.

A surprising gastronomy to discover

Taste local specialities

Amsterdam is bursting with culinary delights:

• Stroopwafels: These thin wafers with caramel filling are a true Dutch classic, to be enjoyed fresh at the market or in a café.
• Bitterballen: Tasty, crunchy croquettes, perfect to accompany a beer in a traditional café.
• Dutch cheeses: Gouda, Edam or Maasdam, local markets and stores are full of quality cheeses to taste or take home as souvenirs.

Fish lovers will love the herring, a typical specialty served fresh or as a sandwich.

Exploring food markets

For a gourmet experience, visit the Albert Cuyp Market, the city’s most popular market, or the Foodhallenan indoor space offering international and local dishes.

Amsterdam is full of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. Try small cafés like Winkel 43, known for its apple pie, or book into restaurants like De Kas, which offers sustainable and refined cuisine.

A lively, festive city

Not-to-be-missed cultural events and festivals

Amsterdam hosts festivals all year round.

These events attract huge crowds, so it’s important to plan your trip in advance to make the most of your stay.

Tulips in bloom: From March to May, Amsterdam’s surroundings, including Keukenhof Park, are decked out in colorful fields to celebrate the beauty of the Netherlands’ emblematic flowers.

King’s Day: A colorful national holiday on April 27, with music, parades and festivities all over town.

Festival of Lights: From late November to early January, Amsterdam’s canals are transformed into a gallery of light art, with installations by international artists.

Christmas in Amsterdam: December is a magical time of year, with Christmas markets, ice rinks and a magical atmosphere in the streets and squares.

New Year’s Eve: On December 31, spectacular fireworks, lively clubbing and a festive atmosphere to start the year off right.

The unique atmosphere of Amsterdam’s different districts

• Downtown: Amsterdam’s historic heart, with its famous squares like the Dam and its shopping streets, offers a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
• The canal district: With its charming bridges and narrow houses, this is the ideal place for a romantic stroll or a peaceful cruise.
• Museum district: Home to the Rijksmuseum, the Moco and the Stedelijk, this district is a paradise for art and culture lovers.
• De Pijp: More dynamic, this district is packed with trendy bars, a variety of restaurants and is home to the famous Albert Cuyp market.
• The Northern Quarter (Amsterdam-Noord): Accessible by free ferry, this trendy district seduces with its mix of rehabilitated industrial architecture, innovative restaurants and breathtaking vistas like the A’DAM Lookout.

Each of these neighborhoods reveals a different facet of Amsterdam, making your discovery of the city even richer and more varied.

Vibrant nightlife: bars, clubs and cafés

Amsterdam offers a vibrant nightlife, with trendy bars, famous clubs and traditional brown cafés where you can enjoy a local beer. The Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein districts are particularly lively for night owls.

Is it worth visiting Amsterdam?

Yes, Amsterdam is a must-see city, so full of fascinating places and activities. Between its emblematic museums, its romantic UNESCO-listed canals and its varied neighborhoods, there’s always something to explore.

Amsterdam’s surroundings, such as the tulip fields in spring or charming mill villages like Zaanse Schans, add a new dimension to your stay.

What’s more, the many events held throughout the year, such as King’s Day and the Festival of Lights, allow you to discover the city from an original and festive angle, making every visit unique and memorable.

Drone video of Amsterdam

Here’s a video, filmed with a drone, of the city of Amsterdam to give you a taste of what’s in store, enjoy!

Card

Here’s our interactive map with all our Amsterdam addresses, which you can save and view offline.

We thank you for reading all the way through, we hope we have answered all your questions. Don’t hesitate to drop us a line below or on Instagram if you’re planning this trip, or to ask any questions you may have – we’ll be delighted to get back to you! If you liked this article, please rate it with 5 stars below.